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Stuck in the Present: How History Frees and Forms Christians
While the Bible is enough to take us to heaven, knowing history helps us live more wisely on our way.
George Orwell observed in Nineteen Eighty-Four that those who pay attention to history have the potential to influence the future. Stuck in the Present offers a grounding in historical consciousness that allows us to better navigate the daily bombardment of information. Amnesia about the past makes us vulnerable to the shackles of modern-day hucksters who try to convince us that the present is all that matters.
With wit and grace, Moore encourages readers to avoid common historical fallacies and better understand the significance of the past. Through interviews conducted with leading historians, Moore invites readers to better understand relevant topics like the living legacy of the Puritans, slavery and the Civil War, and the current struggles for Civil Rights. Stuck in the Present motivates readers to be lifelong learners of history. By doing so, we are enriched and better equipped to engage the complexities of our world.
- EXPERIENCED Regular contributor to Christianity Today/Jesus Creed ; three previous books; hosted one-hour PBS special where he interviewed William F. Buckley; highest ranked radio show in Austin for time slot; has interviewed 200 well-known scholars and writers, including three Pulitzer prize winners; wrote some of the top-read posts on Patheos/Jesus Creed .
- AWARD-WINNING The Battle for Hell won the Professor C. B. Bjuge Award at Trinity Evangelical School for best thesis on a theological subject. Holman Old Testament Commentary on Ecclesiastes was picked by Preaching Magazine as one of the best books for preachers.
- UNIQUE There are other primers or introductions to the study of history, but Stuck in the Present includes motivation and perspective on learning that many books lack. It also shows how growing in historical understanding is a great aid to Christian formation.
David Moore's interview questions were focused and relevant. He has a unique ability to draw out answers from the interviewee that go beyond the usual clichés and boilerplate. I found the experience of being interviewed by him to be stimulating. It helped me focus on the main points I tried to get across in my book. - James McPherson , Pulitzer-Prize winning historian, Princeton University
In the hands of David Moore, history becomes so much more than simply dates and dead people. Instead, as he loves what he loves in front of his readers, history comes alive-and the learning of history becomes vital, the very foundation of wisdom and discernment. I highly recommend this handbook to life and learning. - George Grant , pastor and prolific author
Dave did his homework, asked all the right questions, and was a pleasure to sit down with. He's a real pro. -the late Tony Horwitz , Pulitzer-Prize winning author and historian
I find Dave's writing extremely compelling. He has produced a work that is scholarly, convincing, and practical. Stuck in the Present challenges me to expand my own knowledge of history along with helping my students counteract the postmodern ideas permeating our culture. - Diane Keller , founder, Legacy Community Christian School
Good historical thinking is absolutely necessary if we Christians are to have a better understanding of ourselves and the culture we are trying to reach with the gospel. David Moore understands this. His thoughts about history should be heeded by congregations everywhere. - John Fea , professor of History, Messiah College
George Orwell observed in Nineteen Eighty-Four that those who pay attention to history have the potential to influence the future. Stuck in the Present offers a grounding in historical consciousness that allows us to better navigate the daily bombardment of information. Amnesia about the past makes us vulnerable to the shackles of modern-day hucksters who try to convince us that the present is all that matters.
With wit and grace, Moore encourages readers to avoid common historical fallacies and better understand the significance of the past. Through interviews conducted with leading historians, Moore invites readers to better understand relevant topics like the living legacy of the Puritans, slavery and the Civil War, and the current struggles for Civil Rights. Stuck in the Present motivates readers to be lifelong learners of history. By doing so, we are enriched and better equipped to engage the complexities of our world.
- EXPERIENCED Regular contributor to Christianity Today/Jesus Creed ; three previous books; hosted one-hour PBS special where he interviewed William F. Buckley; highest ranked radio show in Austin for time slot; has interviewed 200 well-known scholars and writers, including three Pulitzer prize winners; wrote some of the top-read posts on Patheos/Jesus Creed .
- AWARD-WINNING The Battle for Hell won the Professor C. B. Bjuge Award at Trinity Evangelical School for best thesis on a theological subject. Holman Old Testament Commentary on Ecclesiastes was picked by Preaching Magazine as one of the best books for preachers.
- UNIQUE There are other primers or introductions to the study of history, but Stuck in the Present includes motivation and perspective on learning that many books lack. It also shows how growing in historical understanding is a great aid to Christian formation.
David Moore's interview questions were focused and relevant. He has a unique ability to draw out answers from the interviewee that go beyond the usual clichés and boilerplate. I found the experience of being interviewed by him to be stimulating. It helped me focus on the main points I tried to get across in my book. - James McPherson , Pulitzer-Prize winning historian, Princeton University
In the hands of David Moore, history becomes so much more than simply dates and dead people. Instead, as he loves what he loves in front of his readers, history comes alive-and the learning of history becomes vital, the very foundation of wisdom and discernment. I highly recommend this handbook to life and learning. - George Grant , pastor and prolific author
Dave did his homework, asked all the right questions, and was a pleasure to sit down with. He's a real pro. -the late Tony Horwitz , Pulitzer-Prize winning author and historian
I find Dave's writing extremely compelling. He has produced a work that is scholarly, convincing, and practical. Stuck in the Present challenges me to expand my own knowledge of history along with helping my students counteract the postmodern ideas permeating our culture. - Diane Keller , founder, Legacy Community Christian School
Good historical thinking is absolutely necessary if we Christians are to have a better understanding of ourselves and the culture we are trying to reach with the gospel. David Moore understands this. His thoughts about history should be heeded by congregations everywhere. - John Fea , professor of History, Messiah College
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 21, 2022
Summary: A discussion of the value of reading history for the Christian, better equipping us not only to understand our past but to engage our present, and how to make the most of what we learn.
“There is no truth in history.” “You can’t trust anyone who writes history.” I’ve seen comments like this in social media, as well as in some commentary. In part, I understand the comments. I’ve read “historical” accounts that are selective, cherry-picking facts that support whatever they are asserting, while ignoring other facts that weaken their case. But I also love history and have read a lot of it. And I can point to careful historians who don’t leave things out and form their conclusions on the basis of facts and primary sources. I learn from them, and when I see present day parallels, I can discern more of the implications facing us. Seeing what happened when an archduke was assassinated in Central Europe, triggering the events of World War I, I see how fraught “incursions” on Ukraine’s sovereignty could be.
David George Moore, in this highly readable account, makes the case for the benefits to Christians of reading history, and how we may do so discerningly. He contends that due to our disdain for history, many of us are stuck in the present, impoverished of the longer view that gives us a breadth of perspective from which to assess present events. He begins though for arguing that we end the divide between head and heart– that we both invest in the hard work of learning history (head) and do so that we might more fully love God and others (heart). The hard involves concentration, a willingness to weigh different viewpoints, including those we might dissent from, and may often be motivated by our passion for cogent witness. He contends that learning is spiritual, ongoing, practical, and can be painful when it requires change of us. It is relentlessly curious.
He goes on to argue that the past is not the past. He contends that Christians, of all people, ought get this idea. The events of the death and resurrection of Jesus set in motion a chain of events that stretches over 2000 years and shape the very form of our lives and worship, and even many of our church buildings. Often, the study of history reveals our own cultural blind spots. History explains how we got here and gives us a shared memory and heritage, a profound resource at times of difference and a source of hope.
He then tackles the question of what we can know of the past. He observes that the past may sometimes be easier to study than the present–it is easier to distinguish the important from the trivial. He outlines how one may distinguish good from shoddy historical scholarship–the thorough consideration of all relevant primary sources, the balanced discussion of different viewpoints, the judiciously reached conclusions that don’t go beyond or contrary to sources. He argues that these practices, while distinctive from scientific methods, demonstrate the possibility of historical work not hopelessly mired in subjectivity.
He concludes with the dispositions necessary for productive learning–humility, honesty about our sin, remembering only God is omniscient, and listening well. He contends for four practices he calls Moore’s Maxims when dealing with important and controversial matters:
Be sure that we have properly understood the other’s position.
Be certain that we understand our own position.
Recognize that we may give our positions more importance than they deserve, that we may differ over matters of secondary importance that we may just agree to disagree on.
Always strive to communicate with grace.
He concludes by commending the three virtues of holiness, humility and humor, especially the ability to laugh at ourselves.
Moore’s discussion is punctuated by application sections titled “Benefits to your ministry.” This should not be taken as just for pastors since all of us are called to serve (or minister on behalf of) the Lord. His argument is one relevant to every Christian and leaves us better equipped to engage. How I wish, for example, that our present day American church had learned the lessons that run from Constantine to the present about how the church was always seriously weakened in terms of spiritual power when it entwined itself with state power.
The work includes two appendices. The first consists of three interviews that offer case studies of the value of reading history with Robert Tracy McKenzie on the First Thanksgiving, Jemar Tisby on the American church and race, and James McPherson on the Civil War. The second was of interest, raising some concerns over the “Inductive Method.” He grounds his discussion in both the other approaches used to engage scripture in the church’s history and the inductive method being grounded in Common Sense Realism. I found it curious that his objection to inductive study might equally be applied to his defense of historical research. In truth, neither are totally detached and objective–but that doesn’t mean that either is necessarily mired in subjectivity. The checks of humility, of checking our understanding against received tradition, of the danger of forced applications are well taken.
I was surprised here at the absence of any reference in the text or notes to Robert A. Traina, whose Methodical Bible Study was the Bible of Inductive study, and whose instruction at Biblical Seminary in New York was influential upon many who taught this method (including the reviewer, through one of his students). Traina would probably readily concur with his concerns but argue that careful textual study, rooted first in observation, is the counterpart to the good historiography Moore upholds in other parts of this work and addresses his concerns.
That quibble aside, this is a readable, engaging, and vital argument for the importance of reading and knowing history. The suggested reading points the reader to more resources making this case and exemplifying good historiography. While Moore makes a serious case for reading history, it is also evident that he, as have I, have discovered the rich enjoyment awaiting the reader as they delve into good works of history. I hope that will be the case for many (and I hope it is many) who read his book!
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
“There is no truth in history.” “You can’t trust anyone who writes history.” I’ve seen comments like this in social media, as well as in some commentary. In part, I understand the comments. I’ve read “historical” accounts that are selective, cherry-picking facts that support whatever they are asserting, while ignoring other facts that weaken their case. But I also love history and have read a lot of it. And I can point to careful historians who don’t leave things out and form their conclusions on the basis of facts and primary sources. I learn from them, and when I see present day parallels, I can discern more of the implications facing us. Seeing what happened when an archduke was assassinated in Central Europe, triggering the events of World War I, I see how fraught “incursions” on Ukraine’s sovereignty could be.
David George Moore, in this highly readable account, makes the case for the benefits to Christians of reading history, and how we may do so discerningly. He contends that due to our disdain for history, many of us are stuck in the present, impoverished of the longer view that gives us a breadth of perspective from which to assess present events. He begins though for arguing that we end the divide between head and heart– that we both invest in the hard work of learning history (head) and do so that we might more fully love God and others (heart). The hard involves concentration, a willingness to weigh different viewpoints, including those we might dissent from, and may often be motivated by our passion for cogent witness. He contends that learning is spiritual, ongoing, practical, and can be painful when it requires change of us. It is relentlessly curious.
He goes on to argue that the past is not the past. He contends that Christians, of all people, ought get this idea. The events of the death and resurrection of Jesus set in motion a chain of events that stretches over 2000 years and shape the very form of our lives and worship, and even many of our church buildings. Often, the study of history reveals our own cultural blind spots. History explains how we got here and gives us a shared memory and heritage, a profound resource at times of difference and a source of hope.
He then tackles the question of what we can know of the past. He observes that the past may sometimes be easier to study than the present–it is easier to distinguish the important from the trivial. He outlines how one may distinguish good from shoddy historical scholarship–the thorough consideration of all relevant primary sources, the balanced discussion of different viewpoints, the judiciously reached conclusions that don’t go beyond or contrary to sources. He argues that these practices, while distinctive from scientific methods, demonstrate the possibility of historical work not hopelessly mired in subjectivity.
He concludes with the dispositions necessary for productive learning–humility, honesty about our sin, remembering only God is omniscient, and listening well. He contends for four practices he calls Moore’s Maxims when dealing with important and controversial matters:
Be sure that we have properly understood the other’s position.
Be certain that we understand our own position.
Recognize that we may give our positions more importance than they deserve, that we may differ over matters of secondary importance that we may just agree to disagree on.
Always strive to communicate with grace.
He concludes by commending the three virtues of holiness, humility and humor, especially the ability to laugh at ourselves.
Moore’s discussion is punctuated by application sections titled “Benefits to your ministry.” This should not be taken as just for pastors since all of us are called to serve (or minister on behalf of) the Lord. His argument is one relevant to every Christian and leaves us better equipped to engage. How I wish, for example, that our present day American church had learned the lessons that run from Constantine to the present about how the church was always seriously weakened in terms of spiritual power when it entwined itself with state power.
The work includes two appendices. The first consists of three interviews that offer case studies of the value of reading history with Robert Tracy McKenzie on the First Thanksgiving, Jemar Tisby on the American church and race, and James McPherson on the Civil War. The second was of interest, raising some concerns over the “Inductive Method.” He grounds his discussion in both the other approaches used to engage scripture in the church’s history and the inductive method being grounded in Common Sense Realism. I found it curious that his objection to inductive study might equally be applied to his defense of historical research. In truth, neither are totally detached and objective–but that doesn’t mean that either is necessarily mired in subjectivity. The checks of humility, of checking our understanding against received tradition, of the danger of forced applications are well taken.
I was surprised here at the absence of any reference in the text or notes to Robert A. Traina, whose Methodical Bible Study was the Bible of Inductive study, and whose instruction at Biblical Seminary in New York was influential upon many who taught this method (including the reviewer, through one of his students). Traina would probably readily concur with his concerns but argue that careful textual study, rooted first in observation, is the counterpart to the good historiography Moore upholds in other parts of this work and addresses his concerns.
That quibble aside, this is a readable, engaging, and vital argument for the importance of reading and knowing history. The suggested reading points the reader to more resources making this case and exemplifying good historiography. While Moore makes a serious case for reading history, it is also evident that he, as have I, have discovered the rich enjoyment awaiting the reader as they delve into good works of history. I hope that will be the case for many (and I hope it is many) who read his book!
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 23, 2025
this book was written by Eric’s cousin! it was kinda preaching to choir- I mean, WHO wouldn’t want to read history??? I would have liked to dive deeper but instead many topics are covered.
oh, and I can attest to the loud family members mentioned in ch. 4, p. 131. found memories of dinner at Aunt Chris’!
“Bernard of Clairvaux wisely said, ‘There are those who desire to acquire knowledge for its own sake- and this is a base vanity. But there are others who desire to have it edify others- & this is charity.’ “ (ch. 1, p. 36)
“History teaches us to be patient, listen better, & embrace that our world is far more complex than many of us typically think. In other words, history is a great boon to humility.” (Ch. 4, p. 138)
oh, and I can attest to the loud family members mentioned in ch. 4, p. 131. found memories of dinner at Aunt Chris’!
“Bernard of Clairvaux wisely said, ‘There are those who desire to acquire knowledge for its own sake- and this is a base vanity. But there are others who desire to have it edify others- & this is charity.’ “ (ch. 1, p. 36)
“History teaches us to be patient, listen better, & embrace that our world is far more complex than many of us typically think. In other words, history is a great boon to humility.” (Ch. 4, p. 138)
June 8, 2021
Stuck in the Present
How History Frees and Forms Christians
by David George Moore
Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers
Leafwood Publishers
Christian | History | Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 11 May 2021
I am reviewing a copy of Stuck I’m the Present through Leafwood Publishers and Netgalley:
In his book Nineteen Eight Four George Orwell observed that those who pay attention to history have the potential to influence the future. Stuck in the Present offers a grounding in historical consciousness that allows us to better navigate the daily bombardment of information. Amnesia about the past makes one vulnerable to the shackles of our modern-day hucksters who try to convince us that the present is all that matters.
Stuck in the Present includes key interviews that Moore Conducts with leading historians. The conversations invite readers to better understand relevant topics like the living legacy of the Puritans, slavery and the Civil War, and the current struggles for Civil Rights.
David Moore offers wise counsel while speaking to American Christians” that have grown up hearing stories about the past but have never taken history very seriously. With wit and grace, he encourages readers to avoid common historical fallacies and better understand the significance of the past. Stuck in the Present motivates readers to be lifelong learners of history. By doing so, we are enriched and better equipped to engage the complexities of our world.
I give Stuck in the Present five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
How History Frees and Forms Christians
by David George Moore
Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers
Leafwood Publishers
Christian | History | Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 11 May 2021
I am reviewing a copy of Stuck I’m the Present through Leafwood Publishers and Netgalley:
In his book Nineteen Eight Four George Orwell observed that those who pay attention to history have the potential to influence the future. Stuck in the Present offers a grounding in historical consciousness that allows us to better navigate the daily bombardment of information. Amnesia about the past makes one vulnerable to the shackles of our modern-day hucksters who try to convince us that the present is all that matters.
Stuck in the Present includes key interviews that Moore Conducts with leading historians. The conversations invite readers to better understand relevant topics like the living legacy of the Puritans, slavery and the Civil War, and the current struggles for Civil Rights.
David Moore offers wise counsel while speaking to American Christians” that have grown up hearing stories about the past but have never taken history very seriously. With wit and grace, he encourages readers to avoid common historical fallacies and better understand the significance of the past. Stuck in the Present motivates readers to be lifelong learners of history. By doing so, we are enriched and better equipped to engage the complexities of our world.
I give Stuck in the Present five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
October 4, 2021
The author would like to exhort Christians to be well grounded in history so as to best appreciate the faith.
I appreciate the author's sentiment; as a preacher inclined toward history I see the effects of anachronism and a decontextualized faith because of the "tyranny of the present." Thus, all who are encouraged to consider history better should be commended.
But I'm afraid the author often gets in his own way. The work has a lot of personal anecdotes and principles and often veers off into various tangents. The work seems to lack coherence, which is disappointing.
**--galley received as part of early review program
I appreciate the author's sentiment; as a preacher inclined toward history I see the effects of anachronism and a decontextualized faith because of the "tyranny of the present." Thus, all who are encouraged to consider history better should be commended.
But I'm afraid the author often gets in his own way. The work has a lot of personal anecdotes and principles and often veers off into various tangents. The work seems to lack coherence, which is disappointing.
**--galley received as part of early review program
March 6, 2022
I was disappointed with this book, however I'm glad I read it. I initially picked it up because the foreward was written by Carl Trueman, and I was intrigued by the subject matter - how history helps Christians live more wisely on earth. However, I felt the book was not written well. It felt poorly organised and the content wasn't always well integrated into the main topic, with what felt like lots of rabbit trails. The content itself was good though and I learned a lot from the book. I particularly loved the interviews at the back, which led me to three more books I wish to read. Overall, the book was a decent read and I certainly profited from it.
February 4, 2025
A straightforward, sensible and well-reasoned call for more intellectual humility for Christians (and it definitely seems like the author has Protestant-evangelicals in mind). This is a super readable book that would be great for group study. I found it slightly more intro-level than I personally prefer, but I resonate a lot with the author's arguments and perspective.
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/gSnZU0XwRBs
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/gSnZU0XwRBs
March 21, 2023
A smidge too self-indulgent, and a little too focused on the "Forms" part of its subtitle (which would be fine in and of itself, but then leave the freeing part out of the title).
Ultimately, a fairly lengthy manuscript that boils down to "read your history," though I have to appreciate some nuggets of insight along the way.
Ultimately, a fairly lengthy manuscript that boils down to "read your history," though I have to appreciate some nuggets of insight along the way.
September 16, 2023
This is a plea to study history and avoid what C.S. Lewis called "Chronological snobbery." Of course, one can be a snob by only caring about the past - but one can also be a snob by ignoring the past. For the Christian, neither is an option and this book does well in working through the consequences of that truth.
January 8, 2024
Good hype man for history.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews